Plans for a Dollar General store to be constructed in Pembroke are moving forward after the planning board approved a building permit for the store, which will be located on Route 1.
     Planning board member Tony Bennett says members of the public expressed concerns at a planning board meeting on the issue about whether the store should be allowed into Pembroke and questioned what it would do for the town. Bennett explains that the board's responsibility is to decide whether an application to build a structure, be it a home or a store, has met the requirements for a building permit. The application from Dollar General met those requirements, and the town does not have any other zoning restrictions that apply to the site.
      The planning board decided to talk to the abutters whose properties are next to the Dollar General site, or at least allow them to voice concerns to the project engineers. The abutters meeting was held in May; the planning board signed off on the permit at its next regular meeting. The plans were presented to the board by the project engineer, Travis Letellier of Northeast Civil Solutions of Scarborough.
     The site for the store was formerly the property of the family of Earl Lingley that is located beside the town post office. Demolition of that house recently took place. Though he does not know when this store will be constructed, Bennett assumes it could be after completion of current work at a site in Calais for a similar store.
      Dollar General is a chain known for carrying quality brands at low prices. Its wares include cleaning supplies, food, housewares, electronics, party supplies, pet care, health and beauty supplies and more.